A major security alert unfolded at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after a suspicious package containing an unknown white powder was opened, leading to the evacuation of multiple buildings and several personnel falling ill.
November 7, 2025: A significant security incident occurred at Joint Base Andrews—the primary military airbase for the U.S. President and Air Force One—after a suspicious package was discovered, prompting an immediate emergency response and investigation.
On Thursday, a building on the base, located just outside Washington, D.C., was evacuated after an individual “opened a suspicious package.” The discovery of an unknown white powder inside the package triggered an immediate lockdown and a cordon around the area, according to a statement from the base.
Personnel Hospitalized, HAZMAT Deployed
The situation escalated when multiple personnel who came into contact with the package reported feeling unwell.
- Casualties: Sources told CNN that several individuals were rushed to the on-base Malcolm Grow Medical Center for treatment. Their current conditions remain undisclosed.
- Response: Joint Base Andrews first responders and a specialized Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) team were immediately dispatched to the scene to assess the contents and neutralize any potential threat.
Investigation Underway
While the incident led to building evacuations and a high-level security response, preliminary tests have not detected immediate danger.
Source Familiar with the Probe: “The HAZMAT team did not detect anything dangerous in the initial tests, but the investigation remains ongoing.”
The room where the package was opened, located within the Air National Guard Readiness Center, remains sealed off. The overall scene has been handed over to the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), which is leading the inquiry.
Authorities have not yet revealed the sender or intended recipient of the package. Investigators are exploring possibilities, including whether the envelope contained political propaganda materials, though the exact content remains unconfirmed.
Officials stressed that as of Friday morning, there was no indication of a broader threat, but monitoring of the highly secure military installation continues.